Jannik Sinner Outlasts Felix Auger-Aliassime, Sets Dream US Open Final vs Carlos Alcaraz

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by Cristian Andal

World No. 1 Jannik Sinner sets up dream US Open final against Carlos Alcaraz after semis win.
World No. 1 Jannik Sinner sets up dream US Open final against Carlos Alcaraz after semis win. Photo: USOpen.org.

Jannik Sinner is heading back to the US Open final, and tennis fans couldn’t have asked for a better storyline. The world No. 1 held off a fearless challenge from Felix Auger-Aliassime, scoring a 6-1, 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 win under the lights at Arthur Ashe Stadium on Friday night.

The victory books Sinner a blockbuster showdown with none other than Carlos Alcaraz, his biggest rival and the sport’s other young titan. Between the two of them, they’ve split the last seven Grand Slam titles, dominating men’s tennis in a way not seen since the days of Federer and Nadal.

This Sunday’s clash will be their third straight meeting in a Slam final. Alcaraz rallied past Sinner in Paris earlier this year, while the Italian got payback at Wimbledon. Their head-to-head favors the Spaniard, 9-5, but Sinner has proven he can rise to the occasion when it matters most.

Sinner also chases history—he’s looking to become the first man to defend a US Open crown since Roger Federer in 2008, and he joins an elite list of players (Laver, Djokovic, Federer) to reach all four Slam finals in a single season. Not bad company for the 23-year-old phenom.

Canada's Felix Auger-Aliassime.
Canada's Felix Auger-Aliassime. Photo: USOpen.org.

But Auger-Aliassime didn’t make it easy. The Canadian No. 25 seed came in red-hot after taking down three seeded opponents, and for stretches, he looked unstoppable—especially in the second set where he won an incredible 94% of points on first serve. At one point, he strung together 16 straight points on serve, leaving Sinner scrambling.

Sinner even needed a medical timeout for a stomach issue after dropping that second set. His serve lost some speed in the third, but his fight never wavered. With the match tightening, Sinner found another gear, breaking at key moments and surviving a marathon 10-minute game filled with deuces in the fourth set.

In the end, Sinner’s composure, shot-making, and resilience carried him through, while Auger-Aliassime walked away knowing he’d pushed the world’s best to the limit.

Now, the stage is set. Sinner vs. Alcaraz. World No. 1 vs. World No. 2. A rivalry built for the big stage. On Sunday, only one will walk away with the trophy—and maybe, the crown as tennis’ undisputed king.